THE BRIEF: The Appellate Lawyers Association's resource for Association news, legal updates, and more

Friday, September 30, 2016

ALA Kicks Off Bar Year with Luncheon Featuring Appellate Court Clerks

By Charlie IngrassiaAssociate, Adler Murphy & McQuillen LLPOn September 12, 2016, the
ALA began a new bar year by sponsoring a luncheon at the Union League Club in
Chicago featuring the Clerks of each of the five Illinois Appellate Court
districts. ALA President Joanne R. Driscoll opened the program by welcoming ALA
members and guests, which included many justices from the Illinois Appellate
Court as well as new Illinois Solicitor General David L. Franklin.Thereafter, President
Driscoll introduced the Clerks—Steven M. Ravid of the First District; Robert J.
Mangan of the Second District; Barbara Trumbo of the Third District; Carla
Bender of the Fourth District; and John J. Flood of the Fifth District. The
speakers provided an update on the Appellate Court’s transition to e-filing and
also provided district-specific practice pointers.Regarding e-filing, the
Clerks noted that the system, while moving slowly, is gradually being
implemented as all circuit courts in the Second District use e-filing, along with
two circuit courts in the Third District, three in the Fourth District, and one
in the Fifth District. Despite feeling a “bit rushed,” the Clerks assured the
audience that their respective offices are working with Tyler Technologies,
Inc., to implement a state-wide e-filing system as seamlessly as possible.The Clerks proceeded to
provide practice pointers for the audience. For example, Clerk Ravid noted
that, if a party files a motion seeking an extension within the First District,
the party should specify the date to which the extension is sought. In
addition, if an appeal involves multiple appellees, the parties should advise
the Clerk whether more than one appellee brief will be filed so as to reduce
delay.For the Second District,
Clerk Mangan advised against mailing emergency motions. And, if a party desires
an oral argument, it may file a motion under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 352
(eff. Feb. 6, 2013), while Clerk Bender noted that oral argument is usually
given when requested in the Fourth District. Clerk Trumbo helpfully advised
litigants in the Third District to avoid using plastic covers on briefs, as her
office removes them. Finally, Clerk Flood reminded litigants that, if a party
has a conflict with a scheduled oral argument, it should advise his office as
soon as possible, as rescheduling an argument that has already been set can be
administratively challenging.The ALA thanks the Clerks
for their engaging and informative presentation. DISCLAIMER: The Appellate Lawyers Association does not provide legal services or legal advice. Discussions of legal principles and authority, including, but not limited to, constitutional provisions, statutes, legislative enactments, court rules, case law, and common-law doctrines are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.